Improvement in blinders



B. W. WEBSTER.

. Blinder.

No. 214,216. Patented April 8, I879.

WITNESSES: INVENTOR: @/i%;./7u

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".PETERS. PHOTO-UTHOQRAPHER, WASHINGTON D c UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BYRON W'. WEBSTER, OF ACRA, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT ll l BLINDERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 214,216, dated April 8,1879; application filed February 7, 1879.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BYRON W. WEBSTER, of Acra, in the county of Greeneand State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Blinder, ofwhich the following is a specification.

The drawing represents a view of the blinder in perspective.

The object of this invention is to furnish a simple and effectiveapparatus for taming or restraining vicious cattle.

The invention consists of a plate of metal, shaped somewhat in the formof a scoop, with a U-shaped piece of wood or other stout nonconductor ofheat fastened to its inner face.

Ais the plate of metal, (sheet metal of some kind is preferable,) shapedso as to present a flat face, B, sides 0 O, bent at right angles to theface, and lower part, D, sloping inwardly, and presenting a curvedoutline to its junction with the sides. On the inner face of the plateis fastened the U-shaped piece of non-conducting material E.

It is intended to affix this blinder over the face and eyes of unrulyand vicious cattle, in order to restrict their power of harmingthemselves or others; and to this end it may be substituted for thecruel and hurtful methods of hampering and fettering so commonlypracticed.

The blinder is secured to the face of the animal by passing the strap Fup in front of the ears and behind the horns, and buckling it there,while the strap G is buckled under the jaw.

In the construction of the blinder sheet metal is used, on account ofits strength, lightness, durability, and cheapness; but as it is aconductor of heat, and as its direct contact with the animals face wouldconsequently cause distress and inconvenience, its inner face is linedwith wood or other non-conductor, as shown.

In adjusting the blinder to the head of the animal, it is permitted tohang down, so as to leave some space between its upper edge and thehorns for the admission of light and air; and the blinder is madesomewhat wider than the face of the animal for the same purpose, so thatfrom above and below and from the sides there is a free admission oflight and air.

The shape of the blinder is such that though the animal wearing it isunable to see in front or at the sides, it can always see to graze andmove about. It is also so shaped that it cannot easily get caught inbushes or fences, and it is strengthened by stout wire along its edges.The stiff lining E also prevents the front of the blinder from receivingsevere bruises,while it is so shaped as not to interfere with, butprotect, the eyes, by forming depressions around them. In some caseswith hammer or die I make bulges in the blinder corresponding with theprotuberance of the eyes.

This blinder is made of various sizes, to suit all kinds of stock.

I am aware that it is not new to make a blinder of leather, withsprings, and secured to the bridle; but

What I claim is A blinder consisting of the metallic plate A B (J,united to a U-shaped wooden piece, E, adapted to be secured by bucklesand straps, as shown and described.

BYRON WALLACE WEBSTER.

Witnesses:

J. V. HULsE, T. D. HULSE.

